Ninh Binh, a former capital with heroic historical chapters and magnificent natural landscapes, is becoming an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Beyond its famous historical and cultural relics, Ninh Binh boasts a diverse and rich ecosystem, creating ideal conditions for eco-tours. Let’s discover unique and memorable eco-tourism experiences in Ninh Binh, where natural beauty harmonizes with traditional cultural values.
Trang An: UNESCO-Recognized Eco-Tourism Masterpiece
When mentioning Ninh Binh, Trang An inevitably comes to mind, an eco-tourism area within the Trang An Landscape Complex. Recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site since 2014, Trang An is a prominent eco-tourism destination not only in Vietnam but also worldwide. It is designated as a special national monument by the Vietnamese government. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of urban life, Trang An possesses a peaceful and tranquil beauty with majestic limestone mountains reflected in the clear blue water. The serene and timeless natural beauty leaves a lasting impression on visitors who come to Trang An.
Trang An Scenic Landscape
Boat Trip Exploration in Trang An
The most unique aspect of an eco-tour in Trang An is the boat trip exploration. Small, charming boats will take visitors through magical caves, past towering limestone mountains, and allow them to admire the pristine and poetic beauty of this land.
Trang An boat wharf is the starting point for boat trips to explore the hidden beauty of this eco-tourism area. Sitting on a boat, visitors can admire the picturesque mountains and rivers, and visit historical sites within the Trang An scenic complex.
Trang An Boat Wharf
Currently, Trang An offers several boat routes, each with a unique itinerary and different destinations. Here are some popular routes:
- Route 1: Boat wharf – Trinh Temple – Dark Cave – Bright Cave – Wine Brewing Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave – Son Duong Cave – Phu Khong – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave.
- Route 2: Boat wharf – Lam Cave – Cao Son God Temple – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Royal Place – Visitor Center.
- Route 3: Boat wharf – Trinh Temple – May Cave – Suoi Tien – Dia Linh Cave – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Royal Place – Visitor Center.
Route 2 is often chosen by many visitors for its diverse experiences, combining nature exploration and cultural historical discovery.
Exploring Route 2: Journey Back in History and Nature
Starting the journey on the Sao Khe River, visitors will admire the pristine and majestic beauty of towering limestone mountains, unique geological formations stacked upon each other. Especially on drizzly days, the scenery of clouds covering the mountain peaks creates a poetic and romantic landscape painting.
The first stop on Route 2 is Lam Cave, a magnificent cave with a length of 60m. As the boat glides through Lam Cave, visitors will reach the vast Lam valley, covering an area of over 9,000m2. The Sao Khe River retains its clear, gentle beauty, flowing through Lam Cave, creating a stunning scene.
Lam Cave entrance with boat
After exploring Lam Cave, visitors will reach the Cao Son God Temple, dedicated to a deity from the 18th Hung King era, who made great contributions in defeating the Thuc invaders, controlling floods, and developing agriculture. The temple was built and restored in 2017, located near the ancient Cao Son Temple.
Cao Son God Temple with traditional architecture
Continuing the journey, visitors will admire Vang Cave, a 250m long cave. According to locals, the name “Vang” (echo) comes from the loud echoes when rowing boats through the cave. Vang Cave is also known as Fish Cave, as it is home to many different species of fish.
Entrance of Vang Cave from the river
The next destination is Thuy Dinh (Water Pavilion), a unique architectural structure where traditional folk music and cultural performances take place during festivals. Thuy Dinh is surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, imbued with traditional architecture and the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere of a Vietnamese village communal house. This is also a famous check-in spot in Trang An, attracting many tourists.
Leaving Thuy Dinh, visitors will reach Thanh Truot Cave (Holy Slippery Cave). Legend has it that during the reign of King Ly Than Tong, when Saint Nguyen Minh Khong passed through here to find medicine for the king, he was captivated by the beautiful scenery of this place and slipped and fell, hence the cave’s name. After visiting Thanh Truot Cave, visitors will reach Suoi Tien Temple (Fairy Spring Temple), which worships Saint Quynh Minh Dai Vuong and his wife.
Thanh Truot Cave opening with surrounding rocks
Concluding the boat trip exploration, visitors will arrive at Vu Lam Royal Place, an important military base of the Tran Dynasty, located in the core area of the Trang An Landscape Complex. This place was once where the Tran kings established a base to consolidate forces to counter-attack and liberate Dai Viet during the second and third resistance wars against the Mongol invaders. Vu Lam Royal Place is also associated with the event of Tran kings renouncing the throne to practice Buddhism, expanding Buddhism.
Vu Lam Royal Place historical site
On the way back to the boat wharf, visitors can take the opportunity to capture beautiful moments and unique photos to preserve memories of this memorable trip.
Tourists taking photos at Trang An
Choosing the Right Ninh Binh Eco-Tour
Currently, there are many providers offering eco-tours in Ninh Binh with different itineraries and prices. To choose a suitable tour, visitors should carefully research information about travel companies, consult opinions from those who have taken tours before, and compare prices and services to make the best decision.
A quality eco-tour not only brings visitors exciting experiences of nature and culture, but also contributes to environmental protection and supports the sustainable development of the local community.
Conclusion
Eco-tours in Ninh Binh are an excellent choice for those who love exploring nature, learning about history and culture, and desire meaningful travel experiences. With the majestic beauty of Trang An, the peacefulness of Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and unique traditional cultural values, Ninh Binh promises to bring visitors unforgettable memories. Come and feel the beauty of Ninh Binh, a precious gem of Vietnamese tourism.